Wines from South Africa (From York Press)

Wines from South Africa

10:45am Saturday 5th November 2011 in Tipping's Tipples By Mike Tipping

In this week’s Tipping’s Tipples, MIKE TIPPING tries South African wines and spots a perfect present.

I WENT down to the Big Smoke last month for the Cape Wine Europe 2011 tasting at Earls Court. It seemed most of the South African wine industry was in attendance, with 120 producers showing their wines.

It’s no wonder so many were keen to be there, the UK is South Africa’s largest export market.

Given that it is impossible to taste all the wines in such a vast array, I had made up my mind to focus on just one varietal, the South African signature white grape, chenin blanc. That was my intention anyhow, but I got distracted and strayed from my self-imposed remit.

Chenin is the most widely planted varietal in the Cape. Known for its versatility, chenin blanc is used to produce wines covering the whole spectrum from sweet to dry, as well as sherry and sparkling wine.

As a good introduction to the delights of the grape, try Zalze Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2011. With lemon zest on the nose, this is an approachable, quaffable wine, bursting with tropical fruit, citrus and honey flavours, with some yeasty notes as the wine is aged on the lees to add complexity. Great for drinking on its own, it will also pair brilliantly with spicy seafood dishes.

Then, as mentioned, I got distracted. “This one’s a white blend, including some chenin, I really think you should try it,” said a representative on the Waterkloof Wines stand.

I’m glad I did, Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2010, is very good. A blend of sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and semillon, it is rich but restrained. Tropical, citrus, peach and honey flavours, mingle with nicely integrated woody notes, and a lively, fresh acidity.

I was keen to taste the red partner to this wine too, leading me even further away from the chenin blanc theme, oh well. Waterkloof Circle of Life Red 2009 is a Bordeaux meets Rhône blend of merlot, shiraz and cabernet franc. Rich, long and structured, it shows excellent balance. Blackberry, cassis and blueberry fruit abound with spice, wood smoke and mocha coffee notes.

Both the red and white Circle of Life wines are available in a twin-bottle gift pack at Winearray in Boroughbridge. That could be someone’s Christmas present sorted (hint, hint).

Wine list

• Zalze Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2011, £6.99 at Waitrose and Tesco 17/20.

• Waterkloof Circle of Life twin bottle gift pack, £30 at Winearray in Boroughbridge 18/20.